Loras College and St. Ambrose University have entered a collaboration that will benefit students pursuing graduate study in physical therapy. The collaboration provides an opportunity for students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a doctor of physical therapy degree in five and a half years through a 3+2.5 articulation agreement. In addition to offering an accelerated timeline to completing the doctorate, the agreement guarantees the top five Loras students interviews with St. Ambrose’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations at 18 percent through 2029 because of aging baby boomers. The St. Ambrose Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a fully accredited program with excellent licensure pass rates, and job placement outcomes. Graduates of the DPT Program also have an option to continue into an orthopedic residency program, if they would like to specialize in practice.
Loras College Provost Donna Heald, Ph.D., said, “We are delighted that Loras College students will have the opportunity to pursue the DPT degree on an accelerated timeline at St. Ambrose University. Physical therapy is an area of interest for a significant number of our students, and we know that many will appreciate the tuition savings and ability to become a licensed physical therapist in five and a half years instead of the standard seven years.”
St. Ambrose University Provost Paul Koch, Ph.D. said, “We are eager to provide this opportunity to Loras College students as we continue to build our partnership to ensure enhanced access through multiple pathways for students. We remain committed to serving the healthcare needs of the region, including rural healthcare, through programs such as this.”
Loras faculty are developing degree plans so students entering Loras can complete their general education requirements, major requirements, and prerequisite courses for the DPT program in their first three years as a Duhawk. Loras College students who have completed the application requirements and achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher will be eligible to apply in their junior year for admission to St. Ambrose’s DPT program.
If accepted into the DPT program, students will transition to St. Ambrose University in their fourth year and will be awarded a bachelor’s degree from Loras after the successful completion of their first year of courses at St. Ambrose. Students who successfully complete all requirements will be awarded the DPT degree from St. Ambrose University at the conclusion of two and a half years.
The first cohort of Loras students may apply for admission to the 3+2.5 DPT program at St. Ambrose University for the fall 2024.
